Biggest City in the World: Chongqing

Introduction

• Chongqing: Biggest city proper in the world
• Population: 32 million people
• Area: 82,000 square km (size of Austria)
• Known for its wild curiosities and urban innovations

History

• Expansion in 1997 by Chinese government
  • Added Fengdu, Wanzhou, Qianjiang

Unique Urban Planning

Train through Residential Building

• Train passes through a 19-story residential building
• Noise reduction features designed into the building
• Residents aren't disturbed by the noise

Topography and Levels

• City built over mountains and rivers
• Multi-layered roadways and buildings
• No clear concept of ground floor
  • Can feel like you are on ground level but be on 20th floor
• Difficult navigation: chaotic and maze-like

Personal Experiences

• Examples of navigating the city
  • Hospital visit: Thought they were on ground floor but on 9th floor
  • Hotel navigation: Took several steps and different elevator zones

Other Unique Features

• Capybara Café: Coffee shop with animals
  • Rodents, chinchillas, parrots, ducks, and Corgis roam freely
• Traditional Ear Cleaning
  • Middle-aged men offer ear-cleaning services in parks and streets
  • Use of metal tweezers and tongs
  • Unique sensation; some find it relaxing
• Acupressure
  • Footbath with citron pepper and chilies
  • Painful but believed to have health benefits

Nightlife

• Chongqing: City that never sleeps
• Known for vibrant social scene: eating out and karaoke
  • Karaoke bars with female companions
  • Language barriers become irrelevant after drinking

Street Food

• Rabbit’s Head: Specialty of the Sichuan region
• Experience at the local food market
  • Cheeks and tongue are tasty
  • Eye and brain less appealing

Conclusion

• Chongqing: Fascinating and chaotic city
• Plans for further exploration and episodes